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‘Tis the Season

News Hidden Dangers: Energy Drinks What you need to know about energy drinks >> 2

Life It is like Music to Our Ears A spotlight on Christina Gaines, English Instructor >> 4

Entertainment ‘Tis the Season to be...

Best and worst holiday music and movies. >> 6

2 The Front Page

News

Stress Week: Finals Ways to reduce stress Jessi Bass Editor-in-Chief Stress can be one of the most significant issues concerning not only adults, but a young adults’ health.

There are several studies that discuss the effects of stress on the human body. The effects of stress could be more damaging than many students realize.

According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can affect one’s body, mood and behavior.

Stress can target the body and cause headaches, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, upset stomach and insomnia.

These physical ailments affect students’ ability to function properly at school. With lack of sleep, many students may dose off in class. Fatigue, chest pain and headaches can present themselves as a common cold, or physical ailment of that type, however, stress may be the one and only culprit.

Behavior may also be affected by stress. People cope with stress differently.

However, common behavioral changes that occur when one is under excessive amounts of

stress include overeating, or under eating, angry outbursts, drug or alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and social withdrawal.

While some of these seem more dangerous than others, none of them promote a healthy lifestyle.

With Finals looming in the weeks to come, there is a tension apparent in the student body: stress. In order to combat this vicious cycle, there are some tips that will allow students to take a break and relax, therefore promote success and health.

Allure Magazine brought in experts to discuss the best ways to de-stress.

Here are a few ideas that they suggested: First, open a window.

A study done by Peter Kahn, showed that those without a natural view of their surroundings had higher stress levels, while those who had a natural view of whatever surrounded their offices had much lower levels of stress.

Next, buy yourself flowers or a plant (yes, real ones). Scientists at Harvard University used flowers on one group of subjects and used candles on the second group.

In comparison, those who had natural vegetation around them had lower stress levels and felt less anxious. It is suggested that humans are comforted

by vegetation because in prehistoric ages it was a mean of survival.

Work out. It is shown to reduce stress. However do not go with the intention of an intense work out, because it may actually add to the stress levels. Instead, a moderate workout is suggested, like walking or jogging because it benefits one’s moods while also improving their cardiovascular health.

Go outside. Get into the light. It is shown that stress can be triggered when the human body is confused as to what time it is. Taking a walk outside without sunglasses for 20 minutes a day, three times a week will help set the body’s biological clock while still improving vitamin-D levels in the body.

Lastly, give someone a kiss. By kissing someone, it reduces anxiety caused by the feeling of isolation which is often associated with stress. It allows a person to feel close to someone else, making it easier to relax. Plus, who doesn’t need a little love every now and then.

With Stress week starting, students should be very aware of their stress levels in order to promote the best success possible during their testing and final projects.

to eye health and weight loss.

On caloriecounter.about.com, a website that many folks use to research their foods and count calories, Sun Chips received a C to B-. Fitness Magazine explains: while adults do need 20 to 40 grams fiber daily and Sun Chips provide 2 of those grams per ounce, there are better ways to get fiber. At 10 calories per chip, you can easily crunch down hundreds of calories. So, “It’s not like eating broccoli. That said, these are a moderately better choice than other chips.”

The Smartfoods Cheddar Popcorn contain no trans fat or gluten. The downside is 10 grams of fat and 290 mg of sodium per 1 ounce serving, but it has the right number of calories per serving (100-200), and carbohydrates give an energy boost.

For Naked Juice, Berry Blast is an energy-giving choice, but if you are hungry and looking for a quick grab between classes Mighty Mango is thicker and filling-- and terribly delicious.

Mighty Mango gets a B- on caloriecounter.about.com. With 120 calories per cup and no sugar added, Mighty Mango is very low in sodium, but is quite high in natural sugars.

Berry Blast is an antioxidant drink and gets an A- with 130 calories per cup, but has no saturated fat, no cholesterol, very low sodium, very high selenium, and very high vitamin E. A personal feel-good-favorite is the California Club Wrap in the Cafeteria. This combination gives energy and keeps satisfied throughout the day. I eat half for lunch, and save the other for later.

The foremost benefit is that it is mostly turkey and thus mostly protein. Turkey is a great source for the essential amino acids with approximately 32 grams of protein per 4 ounce serving. One serving provides more than half the suggested daily protein, so this lunch nearly covers it. The lettuce is crisp and dark, and there is just enough cheese (the benefits mentioned above) for flavor.

While bacon is undeniably what it is-- salty and fatty-Livestrong does suggest that you crumble bacon into meals for flavor, and the amount of crumbles in this wrap is minor.

Making selective choices is highly energizing. A lot of little good choices yield big results in the long run. Your health, weight, and academic performance will thank you.

Healthy Choices for Lunch Healthiest foods the Cafeteria has to offer Rachel Padro Staff Reporter When you work until midnight and have class at 8:00 AM, you won’t have time to pack lunch. The cafeteria is a sheer salvation, but food does affect energy level and ability to stay focused in class. The following is experimentation coupled with nutritional information from livestrong.com, a website with guidelines for healthy living.

My lunch of choice was once Sun Chips with salad, quite easy on the wallet.

For salad, go with cucumber, cheese, and hard-boiled egg toppings. Cucumbers have loads of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and 150 mg of Potassium, building muscle and bone.

Cheese is high in fat, but contains much protein and nutrients. Boiling eggs keeps the health benefits, including 13 essential nutrients, conducive

November 28,2012

Hidden Dangers: Energy Drinks What you need to know about energy drinks Rachel Padro Staff Reporter Energy Drinks have recently been in the news due to 5-Hour Energy deaths and companies mislabeling the content within their cans. Many students admit to being heavily dependent upon such drinks, so it is important to take a second look at these energy options.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that back in 2009 more than 13,000 emergency room visits were related to energy drinks. Has the problem since escalated?

5-Hour Energy is being cited as responsible for 13 deaths and a spontaneous abortion.

According to Time Magazine, health officials have been raising the alarms over lack of regulation to these beverages.

This specific product has been named in approximately 90 filings with the FDA. Reports include heart attacks, convulsions, and a spontaneous abortion. The company will not comment on these filings, but told Time that it was unaware of any fatalities. The company also does not make known the amount of caffeine in each bottle, but Consumer Reports approximated 215 milligrams.

Many energy drinks such as the popular Monster drinks are in trouble for relaying false information to the public about ingredients and amounts of ingredients. A state official anonymously told New York Times that there is fear the manufactures add ingredients, such as black tea extracts, that

Assortment of energy drinks.

affect the stimulant levels but aren’t mentioned on the label.

Other ingredients are listed, but not mentioned to be a stimulant.

The caffeine in these beverages can range from 80 milligrams to more than 500 milligrams, leading to behavioral and medical issues including cardiovascular problems.

Another recent issue concerning these drinks is the practice of mixing them with alcohol. This is done to conceal alcoholic intoxication.

If students are being honest, most energy drinks taste awful anyway. People typically return to something that tastes awful only because they like the way it makes them feel. The situation becomes an addiction.

There are many ways to feel good and garner energy without endangering one’s health.

Professionals suggest taking up cold water and fresh air as a stimulant, ridding diet of junk food and sugar-filled drinks.

This is more likely to yield far more energy, happiness, and weight loss than the temporaryfeel-good-high of an overly caffeinated frappe, and will do the same for what could be a fatally caffeinated energy drink.

Remember that these drinks were made for a one-sitting burst of energy, not to drink two at a time. The can is also half covered in warning labels for a reason and these drinks are not intended for children.

They have not only damaged children’s health, but have taken children’s lives.

If one likes the idea of mixing energy drinks with alcohol to mask intoxication, they should seriously consider the risks of both stifling the warnings of intoxication and mixing two such heavy stimulants.

If pregnant or may become pregnant, take into consideration that these drinks are simply not a healthy energy choice.

Photo by Jessi Bass

The Front Page

News

November 28,2012 3

Academic Honor Societies Better to Give Which of the two Honor Societies fits you best?

Rachel Padro Staff Reporter FRCC is now home to two honor societies for students to whom achievement is important. Phi Theta Kappa is perhaps the best known, but the National Society of Leadership and Success offers many great benefits as well. To help outstanding students who may be deciding which society to pursue, the following are some comparisons and contrasts.

Both Phi Theta Kappa and The National Society of Leadership and Success cost a one-time fee of $85 dollars to join, but yield many benefits.

The Society of Leadership and Success provides access to over $100,000 in scholarships every year. On campus-broadcasts are offered by public figures on personal and professional success. One such broadcast that occurred on the FRCC campus was from singer and actress Hilary Duff. Joining gives access to the entire broadcast archive.

An online interview series with career experts provides the opportunity to grow job

interview skills and the chances of obtaining dream career positions. Personal success coaching allows students to connect with professional coaches, and the Success Networking Team enables students to set and share goals, get and give advice, and maintain accountability in taking steps towards their dreams.

Social society gatherings are for making friends, and Motivational Mondays jumpstart the week by sending an inspiring audio to student’s inboxes. Members with a 3.3+ GPA receive a personalized letter of accomplishment from the National President and a Presidential Seal on their certificate.

Members are also aided in practical matters of life, including discounts on items such as computers, textbooks, car insurance, and more.

Members can continue to receive all of the benefits detailed above for life.

Phi Theta Kappa recognizes academic success, and membership is the gateway to many benefits.

For a student’s college graduation and beyond, they will receive recognition, the official Seal of Phi Theta Kappa on their college diploma, the opportunity to wear Phi Theta Kappa Commencement Regalia during their graduation and other official ceremonies,

and the notation of membership on their college transcript in addition to a press release announcing their academic achievement.

Members have access to $37 million in scholarships and students are enrolled in College Fish, a transfer and college completion planning tool.

Free access is also given to “Five Star Competitive Edge” a personal development plan for building an online portfolio with marketable skills, and the Career Resource Center.

Students enjoy an increased pay grade for entry level federal jobs, personal letters of recommendation for scholarships and employment, and special advantages and offers from Phi Theta Kappa corporate partners.

Eligibility varies between the two societies. Selection for the Society of Leadership is unique to each campus and determined by the local chapter leaders. Please contact your local chapter leaders for more information.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa you must complete at least 12 hours of coursework applicable to an associate degree, maintain a GPA of 3.5, and receive an invitation from your chapter.

Both societies are prestigious honors, and will help students to build foundations that will last a lifetime.

Hot Headlines Brief update on world news

Saudi Arabia

Paris Hilton opens her 42 store at the Mecca Mall.

Many are upset by its presence

Robin OConnell

Rome

Photojournalist

Puerto Rico Fifty year old boxer, Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho dies after being shot in front of bar in the boxer’s home town of Bayamon.

Pope Benedict XVI releases new Christmas book that clears up many Christian myths.

than to Receive Opportunities to give back this holiday season Kathy Bellis Staff Reporter This holiday season instead of spending way too much money buying silly hats and ugly sweaters that no one wants to wear anyway, try helping others.

Holidays should be more about giving then receiving anyway. Here are some great ways to give back and make a difference in the community and lives of others.

Americans are known for overeating and stuffing themselves into a post turkey stupor. However, according to the USDA, one in six Americans living below the poverty line suffers from hunger. This year that number is even higher when adding in the people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The food network has created the No Kid Hungry campaign in an effort to help. Visit www. foodnetwork.com/share-ourstrength to find out how to donate money and/or food to help end hunger.

People are not the only ones in need of help this holiday season. There are plenty of homeless pets looking for their forever homes. Adopting a pet is a great gift to both the family adopting and the pet being adopted. Adopting a pet should be a serious decision; pets shouldn’t be returned or exchanged, so make sure it is the right decision before making the commitment. If adopting a pet isn’t an option, donating time, money, or items is easy to do. The Foothills Animal Shelter is always busy and in need of help. To donate money, time, or items visit www.foothillsanimalshelter. org

Care 4 Colorado Toy Drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs will be collecting new toys, games, art kits, DVDs, video games, sporting equipment, electronics, helmets, and other gifts for children and youth from now until December 31 at all Denver Metro King Soopers.

All items will be distributed at Boys & Girls Clubs’ holiday parties so that every child gets a gift this year.

A great way to help others while taking some pressure off the to-do list is to participate in the Bonfils Colorado Marrow Donor Program gift wrapping fundraiser. Bring all unwrapped presents to a wrapping event and for a minimum donation of $10.00 to Bonfils, gift wrapping will be taken care of. All of the money raised goes to the Be The Match Registry program and helps supports patients with blood-related diseases. Events take place on December 11th and the 18th from 12:00PM-4:00PM at the Lowry Community Donor Center in Denver, and December 19th from 12:00PM4:00PM at the Westminster Community Donor Center.

Visit www.bonfils.org for more information.

This holiday season remember what Albert Einstein once said, “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”

Hong Kong-

With an increasing elderly population and dwindling available land availability, floating cemeteries may become the new rage.

Saudi Arabia

In one of the most femininely repressed countries, women are now electronically monitoring female travels and their information is being sent to their male guardians via text message.

The Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots are two great ways to give back.

Photos by Jessi Bass

4

The Front Page

Life

November 28,2012

It is Like Music to Our Ears A Spotlight of English Instructor, Christina Gaines Kathy Bellis Staff Reporter There are things in life that seem to be destiny. For English instructor Christina Gaines, teaching at Front Range Community College may very well be one of those things.

“I grew up right here in good ol’ metro-Denver, about ten minutes away from our very own Westminster campus. I remember driving past the school as a kid; back then I’d often wonder if I would ever study at FRCC in the future. I never could have imagined that I would be teaching here,”

Photo courtesy of Christina Gaines

recalls Gaines.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. (Well, except for a very short period when I was in elementary school, when I believed I was destined to be a farmer. Long story.)

Growing up I had many encounters with Adams 12 teachers who were passionate about learning, and that passion infected me from the start.

My parents too have always been great lovers of learning, a love which they fostered in me as well. But I didn’t always know that I wanted to teach English; actually, for many years I was eager to become a music teacher. I’ve played musical instruments since I was eight years old, and I also sang in church choirs all the way through elementary school, middle school, high school, and college.

It wasn’t until I met an English teacher with an equally ardent love for music that I discovered how similar expressing one’s thoughts could be both in music and in writing. Since then I’ve spent every day trying to learn more about the art and craft of English composition and literature. (Still, I’m always thrilled when I can tie a writing concept together with a musical concept to help my students grasp the idea in a new way)”, says Gains.

Luck has played a role in Gains life as much as destiny has. When asked how she came to teach at FRCC Gaines said, “Sheer dumb luck. That’s what brought me to FRCC. While finishing up

my master’s degree program in children’s literature at K-State University, I began my search for teaching positions in Kansas and Colorado—and in the midst of that search I came across FRCC’s call for adjunct instructors. I’d never fully considered teaching English at the college level before then, but now as I’m halfway into my third year of teaching at the Westminster campus it’s hard to picture myself teaching somewhere else.”

Gaines explains her teaching philosophy and what she would like everyone to know about English, “For me, teaching is practically a 24/7 gig. (I’d be one wealthy woman if I were paid by those hours…but that’s beside the point.) Teaching is a job without a punch-in/ punch-out card. And I love it that way. A teacher writes her own scripts and does her own stunts, and each day of teaching brims with possibility. And at the end of the day, it’s not about the physical classroom, the textbook, the grade book, or office hours. When I go to teach, I’m not worried so much about a student’s ability to fix a comma splice, or how to write that perfect MLA citation, or how to work well in workshop groups (though I do want students to learn all of those things, too).

Most of all, I want my students to be able to discover themselves—the ‘self’ on the page while writing, or the ‘self’ they see when they relate to literature—so they might have the confidence to engage with profound ideas and to contribute to critical conversations, academic and otherwise, long after my time with them is over.

There’s a quote from Aristotle if you want the story behind that I like to use to describe our that one!”

English classes at FRCC: ‘The Some words of wisdom whole is greater than the sum to FRCC students from of its parts.’ While the generic Gaines are, “I know grades description of these courses is are important. And a career ‘English Composition,’ there track is important too. But a is so much more to learn than college education is so much simply the basics of English more than career tracks and mechanics and of composing GPAs. Harness your passion academic papers. Writing isn’t for your studies. Look for the so much a college course as it value in all of your courses and is a life skill. It permeates every consider what they can teach other discipline, every career, you. (You’ll be surprised at every tributary in the flow of how many lessons you can get information. out in your classes—some that It is critical to learn. So many may have absolutely nothing to students I meet automatically do with the content.) It takes define themselves as ‘bad’ effort, but the effort does pay writers—but there’s no such off. thing as a bad writer. As Ray If you focus on what truly Bradbury once said, ‘You fail matters—challenging yourself only if you stop writing.’ Like to explore new ideas and any other skill, it takes practice pushing yourself to seek out to find your ‘writerly’ voice and rich experiences—you’ll find to get a knack for scribbling what it truly means to be a your thoughts coherently onto college student.” the page, but the first step is to believe that you can write.”

Gaines says that her students may be surprised to know that, “I’m a self-proclaimed master of chopsticks. I also have an absolutely irrational fear of crows and a perfectly reasonable love for penguins. Here’s something that’s a bit more interesting: I’m a direct descendant of the real-life Welsh hero Dafydd Gam, the same person who was the inspiration for the character ‘Fluellen’ in Shakespeare’s Henry V. But perhaps the most bizarre thing is that I have an alias: ‘Nancy Queue.’ Feel Photo courtesy of Christina Gaines free to ask me in person

If more students learned their learning style, and then sought out resources that fit into their learning style, they would not only learn better, but enjoy learning better.

Some students associate asking for help with embarrassment, usually due to the way parents and teachers have made them feel in the past. The first step to getting over this is realizing that fear of asking is confining you in all of your life. Closed mouths don’t get fed. So go to office hours to ask for help.

For math, ask your instructor if they could possibly break a certain method down into steps for you, then write these steps before you forget, and save them.

Students can also find plenty of outside verbal help in mediums such as Youtube videos. For

Biology, two separate students told me to search Youtube for Bozeman Biology. This man deserves a Nobel for aiding students everywhere, and turning 3 hour brain-overload lectures into crystal clear, 15 minute videos with animation and illustration. When I started watching his videos my grade went up.

For most any class, there is nothing like a little oldfashioned School House Rock (search Youtube). I admit to muttering “Conjunction, Junction, what’s your function?” in the middle of an English exam.

Also ingrain things into your long term memory. I still remember that Phillis Wheatley was an African American poet because I saw a portrait of her writing with an ink quill, and

Helpful Study Secrets in Time for Finals Ways to make your studying more effective Rachel Padro Staff Reporter The simplest and most important study habit for any student to learn is organization.

Sometimes this means the easy but overlooked power of using a binder with dividers!

It is easiest to prepare for tests when you write at the top of every new handout UNIT 1, or whatever unit you may be in.

When you study you needn’t rifle through papers that might or might not relate to your upcoming exam.

Some students organize by using flash cards in different colors, pink for History, purple for Math and so on. A great online option for flash cards is quizlet.com, you can share one set of flash cards with every student in your class, and also play games or take quizzes!

The second thing students must do is learn their learning style. I am kinetic and need to interact with what I am learning, so when reading a handout or test highlighters and gel pens help to truly process what I’m reading. A friend of mine can only ingrain things by hearing them, and utilizes her phone’s audio recording tool and mp3’s to learn concepts.

the quill looked to me like wheat.

One of the most helpful things I ever learned was to take advantage of the first orientation-centered week of the semester to go through the syllabus of each class, write down ideas for every essay, project, or presentation, and start things ahead of time.

With a new semester fast approaching why not read a book to discover your learning style, and have fun gathering resources and supplies for success!

Life

The Front Page

November 28,2012

5

Whacky Holiday Traditions Can’t afford to Celebrity and shop for everyone? crazy a personal chef to do all the celebratory cooking. Must be nice!

Jennifer Aniston’s favorite Christmas tradition is her annual tree-trimming party for all of her girlfriends. Aniston says, “I love the holidays. It’s not a stressful time for me at all.”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch Kathy Bellis star Melissa Joan Hart, throws an ugly holiday sweater party.

Staff Reporter All guests must wear the most Every family has holiday obnoxious sweaters they have. traditions, whether it’s eating For Reese Witherspoon it’s all pie for breakfast, doing a about the Christmas caroling. secret Santa gift exchange, or She says, “I have a Christmas eating cheeseburgers instead caroling party right before of honey ham; each is unique Christmas. I love to sing and and nostalgic in its own way. have fun.”

Tori Spelling and Dean Celebrities have their own McDermott sure have the holiday traditions. There are holiday giving spirit down. also many unusual and crazy Dean told People magazine, “Every year we adopt a family and make sure they have presents under the tree and all the things they need for the holiday.”

In America we have a fat man with white hair, a beard, and bushy eyebrows, we call him Santa Clause and he usually brings a smile to children’s faces.

However, other countries A tradition in the U.S. the infamous Santa Photo by Jessi Bass celebrate with his evil counterpart, traditions from around the Krampus. Krampus is a supernatural figure charged world.

Nobody is arguing over who with punishing bad children, cooks and who does the dishes from leaving lumps of coal in in the Pitt/Jolie household. their Christmas stockings to Brad and Angelina always hire whacking them with a birch

traditions from around the world

THE FRONT PAGE Editor-in-Chief

Staff

Jessi Bass

Kathy Bellis, Writer Rachel Padro, Writer Lizz Mullis, Photojournalist

Copy Editor Robin OConnell

Newspaper Advisors Amy Rosdil Jason Wright

The entire content of The Front Page is copyrighted by the FRCC Board of Publications. No part of the publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The staff of The Front Page is encouraged to subscribe to the principles of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

Inquiries may be referred to the Office of Human Resources, 3645 W. 112th Avenue, Westminster CO 80031-2199, (303-466-8811); The Director of Affirmative Action for the Colorado College System, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver CO 80230-6011; or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 1961 Stout St., Denver CO 80204

switch. Parents are also known for wearing terrifying Krampus masks to scare their children into being good. Yikes!

In Japan, the holiday season is all about Kentucky Fried Chicken. In 1970 the people of Japan learned about America’s love for the fowl family as their favorite holiday meal. Japanese people flocked to KFC and now a bucket of Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken has become Christmas dinner for millions of Japanese people.

Every November thousands of Santa’s can be seen running down the streets of Wales, during the annual Newtown Santa Run. This charity event has not only raised tons of money, it has also set a Guinness World Record in 2004 with 3,445 Santa Clauses racing down the streets.

That record has since been demolished when Derry City, Northern Ireland, had 12,965 Santa Clauses racing in 2007.

Guatemala celebrates Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) every December 7th.

This tradition is like America’s version of spring cleaning, only they take it to an entirely new level. Guatemalans believe that the Devil lurks in the dark corners of their houses and garages. So every year before they celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, they clean their houses and burn all of the trash in bonfires to rid their houses of the Devil.

No matter the traditions or the beliefs this season is a time for customs and family. It’s a time to be grateful, kind, and respectful. It’s also a time to eat a ton of food and nap in front of a ball game!

Budget savvy gift ideas Jessi Bass Editor-in-Chief

Shopping for every one of your family members and close friends can take quite the toll on your wallet; we have all been there. For those who need a little break on the budget, here are some budget savvy ideas, perfect for the broke college student.

Bake something. The baking ingredients often cost a lot less than any new product that you could buy at the store. Plus, for the same price as the new pair of boots they wanted, you can make enough cookies, cakes, or breads for two or three people rather than just the one. There are great recipes on allrecipes. com. They include cookies, cakes, breads and pies.

For those with a more sophisticated taste, get rid of that bottle of wine that you

Homade Card Photo by Jessi Bass.

have been holding on to. You may have to sacrifice your evening drink, but giving a bottle of wine is classy and very traditional for the holidays. So go look in the wine cellar (if you have one) and do some winter cleaning. No one will know it wasn’t fresh off the shelf anyway.

Make a heartfelt card, a real one. Not one that comes from Hallmark, but one that you can truly express your gratitude for someone. Make sure you handwrite it. It will mean so much more if it is in your chicken scratch than if it were to be fresh off the printer. Attach pictures of a favorite memory, or even a potential dinner date coupon in there, for when you have more change to spare.

Learn how to knit or crochet.

The first products may not be the most visually appealing but the thought of trying a new hobby not only will help you justify the last minute attempts, but with winter here, everyone could use a scarf, blanket or hat. Yarn is fairly inexpensive, and it can be used to make several scarves or hats.

If you aren’t very good around the kitchen or with crayons, you can always take the get together route. Have a day where you go out and do something. It can be inexpensive. Take your family or friends ice skating at the Orchard, or other promenades.

They are often less then ten dollars to rent a pair of skates and the memories that will be created are much more valuable than anything that you could possibly buy them.

6

The Front Page

Entertainment

November 28,2012

‘Tis The Season To Be... December and The best and worst holiday movies and music Kathy Bellis Staff Reporter It is necessary to start this review with a bit of a confession, so here goes – I love the holiday season! I love holiday music, movies, decorations, shopping, and food. I love watching holiday movies, even the bad ones! I start listening to holiday music the day after Halloween.

With that out of the way, I give you my suggestions for the best and worst holiday movies and music.

Let’s start with the bad. The worst holiday movies are all of the Home Alone movies after the first two. Home Alone and Home Alone 2 featured Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and the entire gang. The movies were cute, original, and boosted a fabulous cast. Home Alone 3, 4, and 5 have C rated stars and some of the dumbest plots I have ever seen. Enough is enough when it comes to these movies! Watch

1 and 2 and stir clear of the rest.

When it comes to holiday music the choices as to which ones are the worst are endless.

So I’m going to make my choice based on personal reasons.

Justin Bieber’s “Christmas Eve” is as bad as they come, mostly because Justin Bieber can’t sing. He couldn’t hold a note if his life depended on it.

Christmas Eve is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but when the Bieber gets done with it, all that’s left is screaming 12 year old girls and adults with bleeding ears. Bieber needs to stay on the teen channel and leave the holiday music to the professionals.

Holiday movies are so different. Some are heartfelt, tearjerkers and some are laugh out loud family fun. It is because of the immense differences between the two that I have chosen two of my favorites.

For best holiday comedy, A Christmas Story is hands down my favorite. This 1983 masterpiece is about a little boy named Ralphie. Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa Clause that he is responsible enough to get a Red Ryder B.B. gun for Christmas. His over-active imagination, along with his

somewhat dysfunctional family creates one of the best holiday movies ever made.

Christmas on Division Street starring Fred Savage is my pick for best holiday drama. This 1991 movie is sort of the cousin to Miracle on 34th Street. It’s about a little boy played by Fred Savage, who helps a homeless man, played by the late Hume Cronyn. It is a touching story about the beauty and love of helping others. It is a great way to show younger children how valuable they are and how even the youngest people can make big changes in the world. Plus it has Fred Savage and what self-respecting 80’s/90’s kid doesn’t still love Fred Savage?

“O Holy Night” is one of the best holiday songs ever written.

My favorite version of it is by Christina Grimmie. Her voice is amazing and hearing her sing such a beautiful song always gives me goose bumps. Truly spectacular!

The funniest holiday song is Jeff Foxworthy’s “12 Days of Christmas”, however, it would be funnier if I wasn’t raised in a big ol’ redneck family. Oh well, every family has a theme song and this one is mine.

Happy holidays!

a gift. What kind of a friend do you take me for, you owe me $5 for that dirt!”

As the Holidays are ever so near and gift giving is about to go into hyperdrive; let’s go over a few considerations to help avoid situations like the above conversation.

Giving someone a guitar is a good idea. While giving someone a roll of toilet paper is only good if they are yelling from the bathroom or if there is cash wrapped around the roll, but not both.

Most electronics make wonderful gifts! Mac computers, ipads, televisions and game consoles all make very nice presents. Although, supplying someone with the return of their own property that you have stolen is probably not in the best interest of anyone involved. As I’m fairly certain that even the most cheerful wrapping paper could not eliminate the bitterness felt when a thief gift-wraps your heisted belongings.

Erector sets are great gifts; squirrel bird baths, while nice for the squirrels and birds, would only be charming if given to an avid bird bath collector, that has an admiration for furry, attitude -filled, rodents. Not that that would be the worst

hobby anyone has ever had, but the chances are pretty slim that your friend meets all that criteria. So save your cash or buy them a gift card to Chili’s or something; unless of course they don’t eat at chain restaurants, then you’re on your own with that one buddy!

Handmade gifts can make very thoughtful presents.

Unless of course you make squirrel bird baths and we’ve been over that! The idea to keep in mind with handmade gifts would be making a gift that is fitting of the receiver and not just any old thing to take up space in a package.

Millennium Falcon Spaceships and Star Wars figurines make amazing gifts!

Figurines of yourself given to all your family and friends on the other hand, I’m pretty sure there are support groups for people like you.

All kidding aside, when it comes to gift giving, it really is the thought that counts; as long as you are thinking of others and not of yourself. So gift away FRCCians and let’s just hope that gift receipts come with all the not so great selection!

January Concerts Upcoming Concerts and Events Lizz Mullis Photojournalist December 6th: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with Xperience and Dee-1 at the Ogden Theatre.

December 12th: Of Monsters and men with Elle King at Boulder Theatre.

December 13th: Chanel 93.3’s Not So Silent Night with Fun., Churchill and Of Monsters and Men at the 1st Bank Center.

December 15th: Breathe Carolina, featuring Victory Heights, Kill Paradise and others at Summit Music Hall

December 7th: The Broadway with Regret Night, The Portrait and others at the Summit Music Hall.

December 20th: Dillon Francis with Kill Paris at the Ogden Theatre

December 8th: Public Enemy with Leaders of the New School and Schoolly D at the Ogden Theatre.

December 29th: STS9(Sound Tribe Sector Nine) at the Filmore.

December 11th: Motionless In White, featuring Chelsea Grin, Stick to Your Guns, and others at Summit Music Hall.

December 30th and 31st: The Lumineers with Shovels & Rope at the Ogden Theatre.

Decoration A Gift at its Finest Trends Decking the FRCC shares about their favorite gifts Robin OConnell Photojournalist

The dictionary defines the word gift as: something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance. Although with some of the gifts that people give to one another, I’m not sure that this definition is very well known.

Actually, no where in the definition does it say or even imply that a gift has to be good or nice. So really, you could give something horrible, voluntarily; like a bag of dirt and it is still a gift, as long as you do not ask for payment.

“Hey, I saw this dirt and I thought of you, it is totally your size.”

“What am I supposed to do with a bag of dirt!? You are a horrible gift giver!”

“I don’t know, why don’t you make a dirt sandwich!? Oh, it’s totally not

halls for the holidays Lizz Mullis Photojournalist

Decorating should be the fun part of the holidays. Keep that in mind as the holiday season continues to take over, and lighten your stress load a little when making the decision between a themed ornament Christmas tree or one filled with random memories.

Green and red are always the go to colors for any form of decoration, but why not switch it up a little this year with a few simple suggestions. Add color, spin off those red hues and throw in some pink bulbs on the tree, or little pink flowers to decorate the wreaths. As long as the color scheme is kept monochromatic, an elegant look can be created using different shades and tones of any favorite color around the house.

Color is the most important part of holiday decorations, so if you are still dragging yourself back to green and red then try different, unique

shades of those as well.

To keep it bright without overdoing it, pair a bright red with a dark green. Use red and green but don’t forget to add other warm holiday colors, like gold, metallics, and royal blue, or risk making the house look like an explosion of a kid’s overly iced and sprinkled gingerbread house.

The lights don’t need to be restrained to the tree or outside of the house. Small strands of lights strung up around a small room or the fireplace add that extra level of holiday ambiance that won’t be rejected by anyone in the mood for some holiday joy.

A few other easy ways to add increments of holiday decoration can be established with new uses of ornaments and ribbons. Leftover ball ornaments that did not quite fit on the Christmas tree look great gathered into a plain or decorative bowl and then used as a mantelpiece on the dining room table. Large, sparkly, earth tone ribbons hanging from walls or even draping around the tree also add a sophisticated look to anyone’s home.

The Front Page

Holiday Etiquette Good manners matter Kathy Bellis Staff Reporter The holiday season is upon us, tis a time for family, friends, food, fun, joy, and reflection. It is not, or at least, should not be a time for fighting, rudeness, or bad behavior; although it usually ends up being one or all of those things. If the holiday season causes you to behave in a way that would make your mother give you the, “I’m so disappointed in you” look, then you are doing it wrong! Get a grip! There is never a valid reason to have poor manners!

Starting with one of the biggest irritators of the season, shopping. Shopping during the month of December really shouldn’t be any different than shopping in June. We all have to go to the store to buy gifts and food, there is really no way around it. So while you are out and about, be kind to each other!

First off, there is no reason why every single car has to be in the front parking spaces. We are all going to be consuming more than our fair share of calories anyway. Why not park in the back of the parking lot and walk off some of the pie, cookies, and mashed potatoes you ate way too much of?!

Second, and probably most important, your shopping cart should never be used as

a weapon! Seriously people!

Take a deep breath and slow down – if you plan ahead of time you probably won’t find it necessary to ram the person in front of you for going too slow.

On that same note, please don’t leave your cart in the middle of the isle while you check your list. Move to the side and allow others to get through.

Chances are if your children are annoying you while you shop, it is probably a pretty good bet they are annoying others as well. If your children are too young, too bad, or too obnoxious to handle a full day of shopping, please leave them with a babysitter. They will not only be happier, you will too, and so will the rest of the shoppers.

Holiday manners should also be used at home as well.

Dealing with family can be a bit overwhelming, but it is family, so be compassionate. Should you get the world’s worst present yet again, remember the saying, “it is the thought that counts.” Then think about what you will exchange your stupid gift for, but keep that thought to yourself!

If you spend a hundred dollars on a gift for someone and they only spend twenty-five on you.

Who cares?! It is not the end of the world, and again, “it is the thought that counts.” There shouldn’t be a score board when giving and receiving presents.

The holiday season can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. A good outlook and (if you are 21 or older) a glass of wine is really all it takes!

Happy Holidays!

Opinion

November 28,2012

7

Need for Academic Club Aceademic clubs would improve grades Jose Lucio Montoya Guest Writer In the eight months I have been attending college, I have found that my fellow classmates have helped me just as much the instructors have. Being able to have other students and not only your course instructor, would allow a student to have other resources to find help with assignments. It is an asset for students to have an academic club that targets a specific area.

I found that a college in New Zealand created a writing club.

The purpose of the club is to give students an opportunity to work one-to-one with a teacher and in small groups with other students resulting in higher grades. (www.kingscollege. school.nz/writingclub) Front Range Community College is a smaller institution. Having a writing club would give students an opportunity to have a personal relationship with an instructor and other students in classes that contain writing assignments.

FRCC does not have a writing club. This is a problem because regardless of the course a student takes, chances are, there will be some sort of writing that comes with it. In Literature and English classes all the major assignments are essays. In classes like Psychology and Sociology, the major assignments are APA format

typed papers. There are plenty of students who attend FRCC that have no resource other than the Writing Center. The Writing Center is a wonderful resource, I have used it myself. Having a writing club would allow students to have longer than 15 minutes with an instructor to work on a paper. The student would also be able to get help with the entire essay/paper not just specific areas.

Is it feasible? Of course it is. FRCC has many other clubs like the Psychology club and various other clubs for Math and Science. The writing club I’m proposing, would allow students to join whether or not they are enrolled in an English class. Any student could join if the course they are enrolled in contains any type of writing. This could happen by listing the requirements of the club in a newsletter, and setting up an orientation to the club so the instructor and the council could meet students interested in the club.

There are many benefits to having a writing club.

The benefits by having the of-

ficial recognition include the following: campus involvement that extends beyond the classroom, use of campus club room, use of FRCC name and logo, use of Student Life workspace, mailbox and resources, use of approved student funds, club advising and assistance, student leadership opportunities and recognition and free advertising in the Front Page, the FRCC Westminster student publication.

In conclusion, I feel that creating a writing club at FRCC would help students in a wide variety of ways. Students would have a chance to meet other students in similar classes in a social environment. Students would be able to rely on these new friends as a resource, and get help with assignments. I think that creating an academic club and using the social aspect of it, gives a student a chance to meet other students in a less stressful environment. It would help with leadership as well with grades and I think it would get a lot more people excited to be involved with school.

Would a writing club help students with their academics?

Photo by Jessi Bass

First World Problems This Season Make your holidays fulfilling Jessi Bass Editor-in-Chief America has always been considered the land of opportunity. Immigrants have gathered here to make a better life for their family. We are known as the melting pot, the land of the free. Too bad we have all begun to take this entirely for granted.

Honest work is hardly work anymore and America has become all play. Now, do not take me wrong here. There are still those who work hard just to

make a living. Those who break their backs in order to make a dime; those of you that fit into this category, are exempt from what I am about to say.

The holiday season is here.

There is a bustle of holiday shoppers and busy bakers making the best goods for the season. Christmas movies are playing on television and seasonal songs are playing on the radio. Some are dreaming of a white Christmas this year, and some are enjoying the mild weather. “ ‘Tis the season to be jolly,” right?

Not if you are from the United States apparently. The United States, among other “first world” countries, have become the hub for materialistic whiners. The season that used to be about coming together, enjoying the company of family and being grateful for

everything you have been blessed with, has become the biggest excuse for greediness.

Big flashy companies that sell the latest and greatest products shove this materialistic nonsense down our throats constantly.

Take for example, Black Friday. Black Friday has become the one day that Americans can run out and spoil themselves or their families. While it is nice to have nice things, why does this overrated day have to happen the day after we are supposed to give thanks for the things we already have. Only in America can we eat gluttonously one day and have money to blow the next. Name any other country that feasts like we do and then the next day are running around at three in the morning shoulder checking other soccer moms

for iPads.

Now, I am mostly blaming marketing companies, however, as a human being, shouldn’t this season be about generosity and thankfulness? While we are whining about whatever latest and greatest piece of technology we are going to race through a store to get, there are those out there that for the holidays, would give anything to just feast like we do for one day. There are people without a roof over their heads, or clothes on their backs, but you just got the new iPad with a five-inch smaller screen that is somehow a must-have compared to the old one.

Think not only about other countries, but also about your own neighbors. While you are crying about how the decorations don’t look as good as they did last year, your

neighbors may be struggling to put food in their children’s mouths. There are soldiers that are fighting for your right to shoulder check other shoppers, that won’t get to hug their newborn this year. They won’t get to see their child’s first Christmas, or see them meet Santa. They will be off fighting for our country and missing out on significant family moments.

I hope you all take this into consideration and realize that this season, instead of being so greedy and worrying about what you will get under your tree, think about those that don’t even have a tree. Adopt a family this Christmas, or donate to the Salvation Army.

Make extra food and drop it by the shelters. Do something this year that will make the Holidays more fulfilling.

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The Front Page

Funnies

November 28,2012

Ask Gafford

Dear Gafford, I am in a fairly new relationship, but we have been together long enough to spend Christmas together. We have three places that we should go. I offered to give up my family festivities and go to just her family’s house, but my girlfriend says we need to attend all three parties. What should I do?

Sincerely, Holiday Havoc My poor, poor Holiday Havoc, you have made yourself vulnerable to this feminine creature. You have been caught with your pants down, and she has stolen them. You are in love.

Do you know how I know you have fallen prey to this unfortunate ailment?

You haven’t dignity enough left to put your foot down and say no. Don’t get me wrong, I like walking around without pants on occasion, but while my significant other struts around in them, making all of the decisions and monopolizing my time and energy? Get. Those.

Pants. Back.

You made a decision. She disregarded it and chose to chart a ridiculous course of action.

You offered to relinquish your family traditions for her. She chose to overturn your sacrificial gesture, obviously in a desperate ploy for dominance.

Say “No.” If she gives you the puppy eyes, say “NO.” If she has a hissy fit, extend your forefinger threateningly and say, “NO.” If, by this time, she is still begging or acting feral, break out the spray bottle. I’ve one left from my last puppy that I should be more than happy to loan.

Follow up with, “NOOOOOOOO!!!”

If she is so terribly miffed that she leaves you to spend Christmas without her, I shall consider my job done well, and considerably so. Enjoy your family festivities!

Sincerely, -Gaffster

We Have a Winner In our Jokers contest, the joke that recieved the most votes was courtesy of Mernie Rosenberg, Ph.D. Early Childhood Education Instructor.

The Winning Joke: “Why did the chicken cross the playground?

-To get to the other slide.”

Keep your eyes peeled The Front Page will be Hiring for Spring Semester. Applications will be available in the Student Life Office or on the door of The Front Page Office, S0104. They will be available next week. If you have any questions shoot us an email at: Frontpage@frontrange.edu.

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